convenience store » markhyuck [DISCONTINUED]

[4]

[ Donghyuck's POV ]

The once filled with noises hallway was deserted when I arrived to school. It was 6:45 am, while our classes start at 8:00 am. I lost track of Mark since we got off the bus, and I don't plan to search for him as of now since I don't want to stalk him or something.

I walked around the grounds, my hands both on the pockets of my jacket as I tried to make myself warm. I fixed my gaze towards the school garden, where variety of flowers and shrubs were planted. They painted the dull surroundings with vibrant colors, each shade complementing one another. I made my way closer to the plants when the row of sunflowers caught my eyes.

I was about to run my fingers on the sunflower's petals when a sudden voice shocked me, "Excuse me! I'm sorry, but I think it would be bad to touch those plants."

A guy who, I guess, is at least five years older than me, walked towards the sunflowers and watered them.

"What brings you here, anyways? It's too early yet, you know," he removed his gloves after watering as he faced me.

"I- I just wanted to try to go early to school this time," I smiled sheepishly at the older guy. He smiled as well. Instead of being annoyed for stopping me from checking the flowers, I felt a bit warm about the gardener.

Maybe it was his approach? He seemed to be friendly and he had this aura that he's a happy gardener that's friends with everyone.

"I'm Lee Donghyuck, by the way. I'd love to learn more about these sunflowers!"

"Moon Taeil. You can come here anytime you want to. You looked so interested to these sunflowies, and it's rare for you, kids, to be interested in plants nowadays," he smiled widely again.

"Kids? Aren't you like 5 years older than me? You look young."

"Really? That's a first... usually students here think that I'm not young. Anyways,  I think you should go upstairs. You'll get dirty if you stay here longer, you know."

I shrugged my shoulders, "I don't have things to do there. Can't I just help you watering the plants?"

Taeil seemed to have an internal battle with himself. Seeing the flowers made me feel enthusiastic that I even wanted to help in the school garden.

"Please?" I tried my best to make him feel that I really want to help in the garden, and I think it worked.

"Aish, okay then. Here's the water hose. Don't get your clothes wet, okay?" He handed me the water hose as I did a salute sign to him.

Well, going to school early isn't that boring. I really like seeing the flowers and plants, so here I am, watering them. I tried to have more fun there too by giving the plants different names.

"This sunflower... hmm... you're Chan-chan! Then the eggplant over there is Chenle, since it looks like a dolphin," I laughed to myself.

After doing the garden job, I bid my goodbye to Taeil and promised that I'll come by again. I went to my classroom, still empty from the familiar noises. I sat on my place and plugged in my earphones.

Minutes later, I drifted off to dreamland.

×

My eyes feel heavy as I was awakened by someone shaking my shoulders hardly. The room was too bright for my eyes, so I can't help but to squint. I rubbed my eyes in confusion, seeing everyone in class standing up-- surprising me at the process.